Match found for washed-up head

AS AUTHORITIES try to contact the family of a man whose head was washed up on Rottnest Island last week, reports say the victim is a shady racing identity who was due to face serious drugs charges.

A homicide investigation was launched when an 11-year-old girl discovered the head wrapped in plastic, while beachcombing.

The West Australian on Monday reported the investigation had turned towards Stephen Raymond Cookson, 54, an underworld figure and gambler, who referred to himself as an ''equine consultant''.

Cookson had a considerable criminal history of assaults and drugs charges, and the latest - possessing methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply - would have seen him face Perth District Court this week.

In 2005 Cookson broke racehorse owner Peter Graham's nose hours before Graham was due to give evidence at a doping court hearing.